Meeting Media Group had the chance to share and enjoy an extraordinary evening of networking and celebrations with over 400 guests during SITE Nite Europe, 18 May at the Intercontinental Frankfurt Hotel, Germany. Hosted by the SITE Foundation and held in conjunction with IMEX Frankfurt, SITE Nite Europe is one of three of the Foundation’s annual events to raise funds to facilitate vital research and educational program support for the global incentive travel community
"This year’s event was made possible due to the generosity of our sponsors including Incredible !ndia, Intercontinental Hotel Group, IMEX, Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort, Dominican Republic Tourist Board, MCI and many others," said Kurt Paben, President, SITE Foundation and President, Channel & Employee Loyalty US, Aimia, Inc. "Without the enduring support of our sponsors and guests, the Foundation would not be able to continue to carry out our mission to enhance the awareness and effectiveness of motivational experiences and incentive travel."
To generate excitement for this year’s SITE Global Conference in New Delhi, India members of the Incredible !ndia Host Committee welcomed guests and the evening kicked off with an inspiring performance by Indian dancers.
A high point of the evening was the announcement that SITE has officially joined ECPAT’s efforts to end child exploitation and human trafficking by signing the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct (The Code). "Signing of the Child-Protection Code signifies our commitment to speak out against sexual exploitation of women and children and our intention to leverage our influence in the industry to help victims become survivors," shared Rhonda Brewer, SITE President and Vice-President, Sales, Maritz Travel Company.
"SITE’s global membership and reach will be instrumental in spreading the message to countless companies and individuals who may come across child trafficking victims," said Michelle Guelbart, Director of Private Sector Engagement for ECPAT-USA. "We look forward to this exciting partnership.
With more than 2000 members in 90 countries, SITE will use its channels of communications and events to inform and educate its members, suppliers and customers about the critical issue and encourage their support for ECPAT’s work around the globe. Actions will include training for staff and members, connecting SITE chapters to regional ECPAT offices/NGOs, communication of procedures for reporting of possible cases to local authorities and submission of reports to The Code organization.The evening was capped off with a celebration to honour SITE Germany’s 25th Anniversary complete with cutting of the cake by Kevin Hinton, SITE Chief Excellence Officer and SITE Germany board members Heike Mahmoud, CMP and Dr. Patrick Patridge.
Supported by the Union of International Associations (UIA), the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and the Interel Group, the global public affairs and association management consultancy, Headquarters Magazines serve the needs of international associations organising worldwide congresses.